During the course of a year, very few games will be perfect in execution or results. This is a given for all of us. Having said that, there are a number of times during a game when your team will require a “winning play.” This is a term I have heard a lot recently and it’s one worth thinking about and explaining to your team.
I have found that “winning plays” need a situation to present itself and the character of your team to take advantage of that situation. The situation is self-explanatory; where the character comes in is that most winning plays aren’t fun and aren’t easy. They require extra effort and often require a player to come out of his comfort zone.
The character of a winner will force him to make an extra effort play or an out of the ordinary play. There is a “need to” and a “want to” that takes place. The “need to” make that play at that time is what a “winning play” requires; but the “want to” is what will separate the winning teams from the losing teams. Does the player want to make that extra effort to make the play that may be the difference in winning and losing?
“Winning plays” are all part of a successful team’s DNA. There will be many times during the course of a championship run when these “winning plays” will be the difference. They will present themselves often. The key will be whether or not you have the character on your team to make these plays!
Later this week I will provide some “winning plays” that have occurred with successful teams in the NBA. I hope that will stimulate your thoughts so you can come up with a list to give to your team so they understand what “winning plays” are, what they require, and who makes them.
